Representative of the North Howard County Rural Water Association attends Dierks City Council meeting

A representative of the North Howard County Rural Water Association board attended the Dierks City Council meeting Monday night to provide information concerning the association’s financial situation.

Jerry Mounts spoke on behalf of the water association board and informed the Dierks City Council that they were seeking a loan through the Communities Unlimited to help the association pay it’s past due bill with the city. He told the council the association has refinanced it’s loan through USDA to help with their expenses. Mounts said they also implemented a 22 percent rate increase within the last year.

Mounts said even doing all of that the association has spent about $30,000 repairing leaks over the last year. The leaks have resulted in the water association experiencing 30 to 40 percent water loss a month. It’s estimated the North Howard County Rural Water Association buys is currently buying about 6 millions gallons of water a month from the city of Dierks, but is only selling 3 million to their customers.

Mounts told the council the water association “hopes to catch up within a month or so.”

According to Dierks Mayor Ronnie Cogburn, the North Howard County Rural Water Association is currently 2-months past due on their water bill for a total of $24,101. He reported the association paid $11,000 this month for their November bill.

The North Howard County Rural Water Association buys water from the city of Dierks and sells the water to their customers.

In other business, Police Chief John McKee announced his department would start writing citations to property owners who have not cleaned up their property after being warned. He reported the new truck has been equipped and was ready for service.

Fire Chief Roddy Smith reported the fire department responded to nine calls in January and conducted 2 days of training. He also updated the council on the departments membership drive.

Council members pasted a resolution to participate in the county’s mitigation plan. The current county mitigation plan will expire in 2025.

Council members also voted to accept the actual 2023 budget